When life takes an unexpected turn, it can be hard to know how best to deal with the changes you’re facing – particularly when it involves the health of a loved one. The onset of dementia is, undoubtedly, difficult for both the individual and those around them – but, as a trusted family member, it’s a good idea to know the best ways you can support your loved one with their diagnosis – for both your peace of mind, and their care needs.

Try to be positive

It can be hard to stay positive when your loved one is going through a difficult time – especially when you’re trying to juggle multiple responsibilities at once. However, it’s important to try and remain as optimistic as you can around your loved one, since negative emotions, when projected, can transfer to others. It can often help your mental health, too, to see the positives wherever possible and appreciate the small things, such as a simple stroll in the outdoors.

If you’re finding it difficult to stay positive whilst you’re caring for a loved one, however, it can often be beneficial to seek professional therapy – after all, it’s important to take time to look after yourself, too. Take a read of our previous article, which looks at the ways you can reduce feelings of stress.

Take one day at a time

When your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be tempting to try and thoroughly organise your life, so as to make adjustments and prepare for the future. Try to not worry about the future too much, as this can become too overwhelming – take each day as it comes, and try to live in the present moment as much as possible. This will not only allow you to appreciate the time you’re spending with your loved one, but it will also encourage them to feel more relaxed, settled and at ease.

Focus on relationships

It can be all too easy for a person with dementia to experience feelings of loneliness, particularly as the ability to effectively communicate deteriorates. However, as their carer, it’s important that you try and keep their relationships alive as much as possible. Reminiscing and sharing humour with your loved one is a great way to maintain a strong relationship, but it’s also a good idea to involve them in the community – perhaps by introducing them to likeminded people at social groups.

Listen

Whilst it’s important to keep communicating with your loved one, don’t forget to listen carefully to them. As communication becomes more difficult on their part, you may have to do more than just listen; you may need to start interpreting alternative meanings, or observing forms of non-verbal communication. It can become frustrating for the other person when their ability to communicate declines, so reserving patience and listening wholeheartedly are important skills to develop.

As dementia progresses, the individual may find daily decision making an increasingly difficult task. As their carer, you can help by making these choices more simple. For example, rather than presenting them with a wardrobe full of clothes, try selecting two outfits that they can choose from; or, at lunch time, offer two meal options to prevent feelings of overwhelm.

Although a dementia diagnosis can be hard to face, there are small lifestyle changes you can make to help improve quality of life for you and your loved one – from taking a more positive approach to daily life, to taking the time to listen to them more carefully.